roach smirked, knowing that the quality of his company was most certainly a matter of opinion. while he was well-liked around the lower district, he had a reputation for being something of an unsavory character—much more-so, lately.

”that’s sweet of ya, jessie.”

he grinned crookedly at her defensiveness.

”yeah, yeah. it’s called a kind gesture. ain’t my fault ye can’t hold yer liquor.” he shook his head, teasing her still.

Once she’d decided on something, he encouraged, ”getcha one, then.”

When the server approached and greeted them, roach began, ”yes ma’am, can I get a cheeseburger with bacon, jalapeno, pepperjack, gravy and a runny egg, please, and a water with lemon.”

’mhm.’ the older woman, donning an unkempt bun and a floury apron and labeled ‘noreen’ turned then, pen at the ready to tiredly jot down whatever it was that jessie wanted.

Jessica Manner

☉

jessie had an appetite, not unlike most drunk people. roach chuckled as well, but to be fair, they were good enough to gorge on.

he chuckled. ”atta girl.”

once everyone was done making unnecessary comments on what jessie wanted to eat, the server left.

”sure, why not.” he leaned back in his seat, taking up space with a lazy grin. ”long as you promise’a gimme my food back once you decide you want mine instead.”

Jessica Manner

☉

”sure, sure,” he grinned, gaze passing briefly over other tables and booths, faces—a quick, casual scan before his easy-going smirk settled back on her again.

it lingered there for a long moment in silence, slowly curling a little more by the passing second.

”you got some eyes on you.” he chuckled finally. ”you know that though, don’tcha?”

Jessica Manner

☉

Jessie was not paying attention. In fact, she was drinking her water, which was probably a good call for her since she was already past her tipping point. Hydration was important with alcohol.

She looked up from her straw, her brows raised before she glanced around. Some of the heads that were staring at her dropped or turned away, while others...

Well, they made it rather obvious they were staring.

"Stare all they want... I just got my eyes on one fellow tonight."

virgil roach

☉

it was amusing. he’d been looking more for familiarity in faces. someone like roach had to stay alert at all times.

but, he had noticed looks. jessie was beautiful. of course, there would be.

”’n ain’t i lucky.” he grinned, chin nodding towards her. ”it’s those two eyes on yer pretty face what i’m talkin’ ‘bout, doll.”

drinks were set down in a bit of a hurry, and their floury-aproned server was off again.

Jessica Manner

☉

Of course, she hadn't understood what he meant the first time. When he made it clear that he was talking about her eyes, Jessie felt her cheeks grow warm. They tinged pink, matching her hair.

"You like them? I've always heard how strange they are..."

Jessie rested a hand on her cheek, batting her lashes at him. But a smile crossed her lips.

"I like it when you call me pretty..."

virgil roach

☉

“don’t look strange to me.”

it was cute how well she matched now. he bit his tongue lightly and watched her turn. women in her profession were notoriously difficult to make blush. maybe he was special. probably not, but he relished in it anyways.

he picked a lemon wedge off the side of his glass and squeezed it in his palm over the water.

”well, i’ll keep doin’ it, then.”

Jessica Manner

☉

Jessie smile grew wider, blinding even when Roach complimented her again. She loved the attention and being called pretty.

Her mind screamed "give me more," but he didn't need to verbal cue to do so.

"Thank you, Roachy. You know how to make a girl feel special."

She hummed as she sipped her drink, distracted as she heard footsteps heading their way. Burgers were presented to them, hot and fresh.

virgil roach

☉

”i do my best.”

the hum of her voice was cute, and he didn’t interrupt it. food distracted immediately, though, and he was making some kind of noise of approval. something like, ”woo, baby. you know i ain’t ever ready for it.”

the old woman shook her head and walked off, looking exhausted but with the small twitch of a smile.

”looks good, don’t it?” roach lifted his burger almost immediately, soon wiping gravy from his mustache and nodding, mouth still full.

Jessica Manner

☉

When Jessie spotted the burgers, her mouth began to drool. She sat up straighter, having to restrain herself from taking them from the plate immediately.

"Fuck..."

Maybe she said that too loudly as she took a bite into her food, but it tasted divine in her mind. Her eyes flicked up as he wiped some gravy from his mustache, laughing to herself.

"I want some."

virgil roach

☉

roach raised eyebrows at her a little. ”hm?” oh. he’d been hungry and forgotten.

the way she asked was cute.

wiping more gravy from his mouth, he slid over his plate. then, he grabbed a fry off her plate for tax, watching for her reaction to his creation.

Jessica Manner

☉